Staff Reporter

The United States of America has officially ghosted the World Health Organization, ending a 78-year union, and withdrawing from its role as the agency’s primary architect and largest donor.

The move, finalized exactly one year after President Trump issued his formal notice of intent, marks a shift in American foreign policy.

The U.S. is reportedly skipping out on a $260 million bill in unpaid dues for 2024 and 2025.

Under a 1948 joint resolution, the U.S. is permitted to leave the WHO provided it gives one year’s notice and settles all outstanding financial obligations.

However, WHO officials and independent watchdogs report that the U.S. currently owes more than $260 million in unpaid membership dues for 2024 and 2025.

“This is a clear violation of U.S. law,” said Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute for Global Health Law at Georgetown University.

“But it appears the administration is moving forward regardless of these statutory requirements.”

The State Department has challenged these claims, suggesting that the economic hit the U.S. took during the pandemic serves as a down payment on any remaining obligations, showing a refusal to pay the outstanding balance.

The loss of the United States, traditionally the WHO’s largest donor, accounting for roughly 15% to 22% of its budget, has already triggered an internal crisis at the agency.

In anticipation of the final exit, the WHO has slashed its management team by half and implemented plans to lay off nearly a quarter of its global staff by mid-2026.

The U.S. has ceased participation in the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, which determines the composition of yearly flu vaccines.